Sri Lankan-origin Ashton Agar may debut for Australia in Chennai

The left-arm spinner was due to leave for Australia on Friday but has been asked to stay back for a bit longer.

Chennai: The 19-year-old Australian spinner of Sri Lankan-origin, Ashton Agar, could be in for a surprise debut against India in the first Test in Chennai after Cricket Australia decided to keep him in India for some more days, reported The West Australian.

Agar was added to Australia's touring squad to India as part of development process and was due to return to Perth on Friday but has been asked to stay back until CA chairman John Inverarity arrives. "The plan at the moment is that he returns in time to play for Western Australia but there is a possibility that he could stay a bit longer," Inverarity was quoted as saying by The West Australian.

Offspinner Nathan Lyon is sure to lead the spin attack in Chennai, with left-armer Xavier Doherty and allrounder Glenn Maxwell fighting it out for the second spinner's spot. But recent developments suggest it could end up in a three-way fight with Agar also coming into picture.

Doherty has taken just two first-class wickets this season, while selectors have spotted some technical flaws in Maxwell's actions. But with Indian top order loaded with right-handers, it could come down to either Doherty or Agar to assist Lyon in Chennai.